Embedded Systems in Automobiles

By: Craig Delzangle

Roadmap

• What is an embedded system?

• The beginning
• Electronic Control Unit
• Other modules
• The future
• Summary
• Questions
What is an Embedded System?
• Computer system designed with a specific
purpose to function within a larger system
• Examples – cars, phones, mp3 players, medical
equipment, etc.
The Beginning

• First electronic fuel injection (EFI) system

developed by Bendix Corporation in 1957
• Offered by America Motors Corporation
• Only used in pre-production cars
• Less horsepower, expensive, suffered in cold
temps.
The Beginning contd.

• D-Jetronic system developed by Bosch

• Volkswagen Type 3 – 1967 The system sensed
manifold pressure, and engine temp. Turned
injectors on and off
First Electronic Control Unit

• First seen in 1975 Chevrolet Cosworth Vega

• Received information from 10 sensors
• Pre-programmed to monitor engine and deliver
fuel to cylinders
• Developed to adhere to stringent emission
control requirements
• Still analog
First microprocessor
• 1976 Aston Martin Lagonda
• First to use computer management and LED
display
• Cost three times the budget of the car
Digital ECUs

• Introduced in the mid 80s

• First seen in Formula One
• Closed loop control – monitors engine in real
time
• Sensors – oxygen, throttle position, engine
speed, voltage, etc.
• Uses formulas and lookup tables
 Basic Calculation
• Base Pulse Width – function of Load and RPM
• RPM = 2K Load = 4
• BPW = 8 milliseconds
• A = coolant temp = 100
• B = oxygen level = 3

• pulse width = (base pulse width) x (factor A) x (factor

B)
• PW = 8 x .8 x 1 =6.4 milliseconds
ECU components

• 8-32bit 40 MHz microprocessor

• Analog-digital converter
• High-level digital outputs
• Digital-analog converter
• Signal conditioner
• Communication chips
▫ controller-area-networking, 500 Kbps
Easier Diagnostics

• Each module communicates errors to a central

module
• Can communicate errors to a diagnostic tool
Instrument Cluster
• Displays data about the vehicle in its current
state
• Various modules send data to ECU
• ECU send a packet of info
• Cluster module looks for specific headers
• Cluster is updated
Other modules

• Antilock Brakes • Brake assist

• Airbags • Stability control
• Security systems • Anti-collision
• Keyless entry • Reverse assist
• Media center • Traction control
• Cruise control • Self-parking
• Seat position
and temperature
TerraMax
• Oshkosh Corporation
• 6x6 autonomous tactical cargo hauler
• Uses 64 lasers, 3 forward looking camera, 2 GPS
systems
Google’s car

• To be released in the next 5 years

• Realistically 2020
• Issues
▫ Lane markers in snow
▫ Un-mapped road changes
▫ Traffic officers
▫ Performance standard
▫ Price
Summary

• EFI was the start

• Introduction of ECU
• ECU changed the car
• The many processors of current cars
• Self driving vehicles
References
• http://auto.howstuffworks.com/under-the-
hood/trends-innovations/car-computer1.htm
• “How ECUs Use Closed-Loop Controls to make
Fueling Corrections”, Cobb Tuning Inc, 2008
• 1975 Chevrolet Cosworth Vega Overhaul
Supplement - general information
• http://www.howstuffworks.com/fuel-injection.htm
• http://www.embedded.com/electronics-
blogs/significant-bits/4024611/Motoring-with-
microprocessors
• http://www.slideshare.net/abhisheksutrave/embed
ded-systems-in-automobile
Questions?